Tag: minimum wage

When asked: ‘Should we raise the minimum wage?’ My answer is the minimum wage should be higher to reflect more of a livable wage. A livable wage reflects the minimum income needed for a worker to meet their basic needs in their community without public assistance and is integral to the survival of individual families. Also, the economic activity that derives from employees earning a livable wage is a primary generator of the overall economic growth of the nation.

It is my strong belief in the livable wage concept that led me to join the Durham Living Wage Project, not only as a founding company member, but also in service as a steering committee member for the organization. Through my work with the Durham Living Wage Project, I have seen the following benefits of a living wage:

Employers who pay a living wage see lower turnover, a more motivated workforce and increased goodwill of the community

Employees who receive a living wage have the chance to now move from poverty towards meeting the basic needs of their family

Low-wage earners typically spend their money locally, when they make more they are able to support local business, which creates more jobs and strengthens a community